Our 53’ Working Harbor Steam Tug model is unique as it was designed for model railroaders and no model ship building skills are required. This waterline model has a solid resin hull with bulwarks and planking cast in. It has a brass photo etched pilothouse and deckhouse. Pewter castings to finish off a handsome little tug boat. We sincerely hope you enjoy it and that it brings further realism to your layout or gives you pleasure just looking at it on your mantle.

For the full hull version of this kit see our H135-HO kit under category: Model Boat Kits-HO-FULL HULL

Boiler, steam/coal fired.

Wood construction.

Length: 53’, Beam: 15 ½’

Built 1930, East Boothbay Maine

The above specifications - Some of the above info is fact-some is bogus!

More Information: Sea Going Vessels, their captains and crews, have long captured man’s attention. The whole arena of ocean and large lake activities seem to be a statement of capitalism, perseverance, and risk taking. We are captured by the events, tales, and legends fostered by vessels on the large bodies of water.

However, it is not just the ocean liners, carriers, battleships, and freighters that capture our attention but also the offshore and inner harbor working tugboats. Tugs are an essential component in any working harbor. Tugs enhanced the development of railroads as well.

The harbor tug was and is popular in any working harbor on any large body of water, anywhere on planet earth. Its primary function is to assist larger vessels and barges into and out of harbors. Harbor tugs can be found pushing or pulling barges on creeks, maneuvering ships at docks, and countless other shipyard and harbor chores. It could be used as a pilot boat, mail boat, passenger ferry, etc. etc. etc. Back in the late 1800s and early 1900s they were steam powered and later converted to diesel. Often the original steam stacks would not be removed, but smaller stacks were run inside the original stack. This gives you the modeler the option to say, my tug is a diesel tug and not steam, if your modeling time frame demands it.

There is so much to say about this vessel called a tug. I will stop here and let the following writers give you greater accurate detail. I strongly recommend that you read up on the subject. Here are a few great books that you might have a hard time putting down.

ON THE HAWSER by Steve Lang and Peter Spectre TUGBOATS of NEW YORK by George Matteson TUGBOATS ON THE PISCATAQUA by Woodard D Openo, Ph.D.

All parts & instructions included in this kit for full assembly. Made in USA. Recommended for ages 12 years and older.